1997 Armed Forces Chess Championship Sets Dates

The American Chess Foundation, the American Legion and the U.S. Chess Federation sponsor the tournament. All active duty military personnel are invited to participate; there is no entry fee.

The tournament is conducted in five-round Swiss System format beginning at 10 a.m. Oct. 11. Players must arrive by 9:30 a.m. to check in and be paired.

Because the tournament is U.S. Chess Federation-rated, all players must be or become federation members. Annual dues are $40 and include a subscription to "Chess Life" magazine as well as a federation rating.

Players should bring tournament-quality chess boards, sets and clocks, even though a limited number will be provided.

Tournament organizers cannot provide housing; however, service members may call 1-800-GO-ARMY-1 to make lodging reservations at commercial or military facilities. Metropolitan Washington installations include Fort Myer and Fort Belvoir in Virginia; Andrews Air Force Base, Md.; and Bolling Air Force Base, Anacostia Naval Station , Va., and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.

Interested players should call early as those Columbus Day Holiday weekend dates coincide with the Army 10-Miler race and the Association of the U.S. Army annual convention.

The U.S. Chess Center is in downtown Washington at 15th and M Streets, five blocks from the White House and three blocks from the McPherson Square Metro subway station.

The American Legion will host a reception for players and invited guests on Oct. 11 at the American Legion Building, 1608 K St., NW, Washington. Trophies, plaques and other prizes will be presented at an awards ceremony on Monday afternoon following the last round of play.